Runners Walkers running on the Indianapolis 500 Mile Track.
The thought of participating in a half marathon occurred to me last year, when I was watching the race while preparing for work. Seeing all the fun and enthusiasm planted the seed in my mind, which caused me to think what a blessing it would be if I could run again.
My name is Winard Anderson Jr., and I am 69 years old. I am preparing myself every day to be able to run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. This opportunity presents a remarkable undertaking seeing as it will be my first time running in over 44 years. I am a below-the-knee amputee with a very short stump. The challenge presents complications at times when walking, however, I am confident I will conquer the vigorous demand of running this half-marathon. I have a wide range of support from Indiana Prosthetics, family, friends, and co-workers who have surrounded me with encouragement. Matt and his team at Indiana Prosthetics have developed a prosthetic running device that will allow me to be successful in this pursuit.
After making the commitment to run in the Mini-Marathon, I whole-heartedly embraced the idea of running in honor of my father. I pre-registered to run, received my running shoes and running leg. I shared my excitement and plans with my cousin in Jamaica, who later reminded me that May 4, the day of the race, is the day my dad transitioned from life to heaven’s reward. I must press on and cross the finish line.
Currently, I am approaching 12 years of marriage to my beautiful and loving wife, Trena. Together we share three daughters and one son, along with seven grandchildren. I work at the RoomPlace Greenwood location as a sales manager. Outside of work, I am blessed to serve as a Deacon at Lee’s Temple Church of God in Christ, here in Indianapolis under Pastor Michael Coleman Sr.
Join Winard in conquering the Indy Mini on May 4, in Downtown Indianapolis! Register today at indymini.com/register.
Michael Patterson has such an inspiring story for anyone, no matter if you’re an Indy Mini participant or not. Michael’s story proves that even though medical challenges may appear, by persevering to achieve your goals, anything is possible. Check out his running and medical journey below!
I’m a two-time Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Bone Marrow Transplant survivor.
I was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2008 after a surgical procedure that removed a mass from my lower right quad, the size and weight of a small baby, and part of my colon. After my surgery and while undergoing chemotherapy, I had a recurrence of the disease in the form of two masses. After roughly two years of treatment, I had a lifesaving autologous bone marrow transplant. During and after treatment, I endured many procedures such as PET scans, CT scans, EGD, Colonoscopy, Ultrasound, transfusions, infusions, surgeries and so much more.
The transition back to a healthy lifestyle was challenging to say the least. I was out of shape due to everything, so I had to start with a 5K. I probably walked half of it. I continued to push my training while increasing my distance. Next was a 10K, then 10 miles, then a half marathon, then a full marathon. At that time, I also started doing triathlons. I’ve been in remission for many years and have completed 21 full marathons, including the Monumental Marathon five times. I’ve completed two full Ironman triathlons and nine half Ironman. I’ve been able to complete many half marathons including the Indy Mini twice, and I’m currently registered for this year. It’s easily my favorite half. This fellow Hoosier was blown away with how well organized it was. Not to mention the volunteers, course, and fellow runners. I plan on being back this year and many years after, God willing.
I am so grateful to be alive and I do my very best to make the most out of every day. I’m not perfect by any means, but I give my best effort every day. Also, my oncologist, nurses, PA’s and everyone who helped me fight, including my wife and family. Without them I couldn’t have done it. Running is a social sport, and I often share my story with hopes of inspiring someone who is going through tough times.
The Indy Mini is a classic half marathon in the city of Indianapolis that has taken place consistently over the years since the beginning of the 500 Festival. The Mini-Marathon is a staple event in the Indianapolis area that challenges participants to complete 13.1 miles around the city. This race is extremely iconic to the Month of May and the Indianapolis 500 because it gets the community excited for the big race. In honor of the 48th running of the Indy Mini Marathon this year, here’s 48 things that you should know about the Mini Marathon!
There are 200 checkered flags lining Victory Mile, which is the last mile of the Mini-Marathon that leads to the finish line.
We have approximately 1,400 incredible volunteers who help during the week of the Mini-Marathon.
Over 20,000 bananas are handed out to participants at runner services after the race.
Nearly 50 exciting entertainment groups line the route.
The Mini-Marathon is a flat and fast course designed for setting personal records.
15 countries represented by participants in the 2023 race.
There’s a celebratory Post-Race Party for participants and spectators at Military Park.
The Indy Mini is a timed half marathon on a USATF sanctioned course.
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of OneAmerica as the presenting partner of the Mini-Marathon.
Before 1999, the Indy Mini took place at noon on the Friday before the Indianapolis 500.
The first 500 finishers get a unique medal.
Each participant gets a free post-race snack that consists of fruit, granola bars, cookies, and if permitted, a beer.
You can track your runner through the results page.
There are multiple places you can watch the Mini like: the start line, Main Street in Speedway, the entrance to the Motor Speedway, Victory Mile, and the finish line.
Participants can get a chance to kiss the Yard of Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
There are 21 Indy Mini Ambassadors for this year’s race.
There have only been 5 participants who have completed the Mini each year since the beginning.
140 athletes participated in the Elite Field in the Mini-Marathon in 2023.
There are 300 tables used throughout the course for pit stations and runner services.
165,000 Gatorade and water cups are used at pit stations along the route.
The Mini-Marathon Expo Hall is about 40,000 sq. ft.
The Indy Mini was voted “America’s Best Half Marathon” by USA Today’s 10Best.
The course includes a 2.5-mile lap around the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The half marathon starts and finishes in the heart of Indianapolis.
The Post-Race Party includes free massages, a bottle of chocolate milk for participants, an entertainment stage, and more.
Participation in the Indy Mini helps the 500 Festival provide free youth health, fitness, and education events to Indiana schools.
The 500 Festival reaches more than 100,000 Hoosier children every year with the help of your participation in the Mini-Marathon.
The 500 Festival’s first idea for the half marathon was a bicycle race.
The first race in 1977 had just over 1,000 participants.
20 years later in 1997, there were almost 19,700 participants.
The Indy Mini is known as ‘the Greatest Spectacle in Racing’.
Each finisher gets a unique finisher medal.
Parking is available in downtown Indy. Be sure to arrive early on race morning to allow time to park.
There is a designated ‘cheer zone’ for spectators and fans at the finish line.
WTHR-Channel 13 is the live broadcast coverage for the half-marathon.
The last few years, the weather during the race has been in the mid-60s.
There are 51 states (including DC) represented by participants each year.
There are currently 10 countries currently represented for this year’s race.
The Indy Mini was named one of “America’s Most Iconic Races” by Runner’s World.
In the 1980s, the 500 Festival sponsored a spaghetti dinner for the runners the night before the Mini.
The Indy Mini half marathon is 13.1 miles long.
Online registration for the Indy Mini closes on April 28th at 11:59 pm EST.
You can register in-person for the Mini-Marathon at the Expo.
You can submit an application to be seeded and placed in one of the earlier waves in the race.
The Gold Mile is one of the toughest miles of the race that pays tribute to fallen service members and their surviving families, with volunteers offering motivational encouragement.
There will be a group of pacers who will hold signs of the pace they are running so that you can meet your performance goals.
90,000 safety pins used.
Reserve a tent in the InField during the Post-Race Party for family and friends to celebrate their participant by bringing their own food and beverages.
Forming a support system that cheers you on and watches you grow and achieve something incredible is important to have when conquering a feat like the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Building a strong community with sports allows motivation and bonds to form during your months of training! Check out some ideas and ways you can build your running community before, during, and after the Mini-Marathon!
Reach out to Local Family, Friends, & Communities
Consider reaching out to your inner circle. Allowing your friends and family to support and encourage you with your running or walking creates a culture that is both positive and engaging! Post flyers in your local coffee shops, businesses, your workplace, or fitness centers so that people see a running community being formed and they can join if they are interested! Listing practice times and fun activities to do outside of running will also help bring people into your running community!
Schedule Trainings Before Race Day
When training for the Mini-Marathon, setting certain days and times of practicing with your running community is important. Keep each other accountable about those meeting times and allow for flexibility. Prepare each week for different weather changes and allow for growth in each type of weather condition that occurs.
Constant Communication
Communication is key with a running group, no matter how big or small! When training for the Mini-Marathon, be intentional about listening to each other’s needs. This allows for a positive culture to form and build trust when training. Positive encouragement, allowing time for proper rest and recovery, and listening to your body are key!
Be Intentional & Create Your Own Culture
It’s not always about running and walking. Be available for creative activities beyond basic training exercises to help break up a normal routine. Try a new sport together or mix up your regular training. Grab your training group and visit local restaurants, go bowling, or go watch that new show everyone is raving about! Building friendships and creating bonds are awesome for lifelong needs and sharing the same passions outside of training. There are so many fun things to do around Indy with so many places to visit!
Becky Wheeler is taking on the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, traveling all the way from the UK! We can’t wait for Becky to experience The Greatest Spectacle in Running on May 6! Check out her Why I Mini story below to learn more about Becky, her fitness journey, and her advice to other participants.
This is my first Indy Mini. I have driven down through Arizona back in 2006, but this is my first proper trip to the States.
A few years ago I joined a Facebook Running Group and got to know quite a few other members. We would comment on each other’s posts, it helped a lot at the time. I became great friends with one particular member and our friendship has grown over the years. I passed a comment one day about coming to visit him and the family and that is what has brought me to the States now. He loves to run too, has done numerous Half Marathons and 12 Full Marathons, he’s completed the Indy Mini several times too! For me to come from the UK, I didn’t want to stay for just a couple of weeks. I’ve needed a good long break for a long time and haven’t taken a holiday for a number of years, so decided to take a couple of months off and come to the States for 7 whole weeks. I’ve been here now for just over 2 weeks, so still have a long time to go.
I completed the Carmel Half Marathon last weekend and have signed-up for the Kentucky Half as well as the Indy Mini. All these races will be run with my best friend Ryan Rivera who I’m staying with and who has helped to totally transform my running!
As you can see from one of the photos, I used to be alot larger than what I am now. At 5’2″ and 196lb I knew I had to try and lose some weight. Over the following 9 months I lost over 60lbs and that is when my love of running started. I started off hardly being able to complete 200m, but I wasn’t going to give up on it so just kept going, increasing the distance as much as I could. I started going to the gym and loved that too and it helped alot. I took on my first race, a Half Marathon, about a year later, that was back in 2018 and I haven’t looked back since! I’ve got no idea how many Half Marathons I’ve completed but have also taken on 5 Full Marathons, the greatest of which was completed the London Marathon last year, it was one of the best days ever! Have attached a picture of that day too. Like alot of other runners, I’ve suffered injuries and setbacks, but the love of running will never stop and I will always try to do what I can. I’m not where I wanted to be for this trip, but nothing will stop me lining up on that Start Line in May!
Everyone’s running journeys are different, but I would always say set yourself achievable goals especially when you’re starting off, a goal you know you’ll be able to reach but something that will make you work, this will help with the motivation of wanting to achieve more, you’ll keep thing what you could actually achieve. You need to also set a long term goal, like your first race or hitting a certain time.
In 2021, I made the choice to up my running game and take on my first ever half marathon, and since then, the Indy Mini has been a staple of my yearly training plan. Why? Because the event has continued to provide a way for me to keep connecting and continue growing as a runner and person.
In fact, as I head into my third Indy Mini this year, I have begun to recognize the many lessons I’ve learned throughout my Indy Mini seasons.
Running is a Team Sport
As I amped up my training for my first Indy Mini, I ran the streets alone almost always. But, I realize now just how many friends, family members, and community supporters were rooting for me. Even on the virtual race day, my partner and I were dropped off by a dear friend who was there to cheer us on at that finish and celebrate later that day. This support only grew as I joined my first in-person Indy Mini. I saw a vast group of diverse participants and spectators who were there for one purpose – to finish together. That day, I knew that although I had to journey the course on my own, I had an entire team backing me up and wanting nothing but success for me and everyone else around us.
Resting is Essential
Entering my second Indy Mini training season, I was ready to crush my goals. I was going to run 5-6 days a week, implement at least one day of cross training, and boost my approach to nutrition. Just one week into the new year, I was faced with extreme muscle fatigue, restricted breath, and more. Soon after this, I was diagnosed with COVID and would experience prolonged symptoms impacting my muscles and joints. As I continued to try pushing myself to achieve my steep goals, I experienced elevated levels of pain. Finally, I built in time to pause. I stretched, did yoga, walked, and even just rested. As I continued to focus on those moments of pause, I began to heal, and I began to focus on gratitude for my ability to move. Come the morning of Indy Mini race day, I was full of gratitude and ready to just be in community with other participants. Turns out that rest paid off…I was able to PR and exceed my goals thanks to my moments of pause heavily integrated with moments of activity.
Seeing Beauty is a Choice
Every time I run the Indy Mini, I am reminded of the beauty within my city (which I miss when inside the hustle and bustle of the daily grind). The same places I see in a car every day look different and feel different when running the streets and choosing to really see everything around me. As I’ve come to appreciate being forced to take in my surroundings while running, I have owned the choice I have to see (and create) beauty in my community. Thanks to the Indy Mini, I now find myself not just seeing a city around me. Rather, I am able to see a connected community of people, places, and stories that form beauty all around us and deserve to be seen.
Succeeding Means Many Things
As someone new to running in my adult years, I had little to no idea of what success was. With no benchmark, I was eager to explore articles for qualifying times, pacing guides, and records. I was soon overwhelmed and uncertain that I’d ever be “successful” as a runner. Then, I ran my first Indy Mini. At the end, I felt it…success! Simply completing a distance and knowing I accomplished a goal was success to me. The more I talked to other participants, the more I recognized that success is really an individual definition. So, I run each Indy Mini with new goals and celebrate every other participant for coming to the race with their own. Together, we can all work to be the best versions of ourselves and succeed together, however different that looks from one person to the next.
I am so grateful for the moments of pause and lessons I’ve learned in my Indy Mini journey. As you prepare to join in or support the Indy Mini festivities this year and beyond, I hope you, too, find time to reflect and recall the memories and lessons from your event involvement. After all, that’s the beauty of the Indy Mini and the 500 Festival!
Here are a few steps to keep in mind as you prepare to walk or run the Indy Mini Marathon!
Make a Commitment to Conquer the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon!
We hope you will join us on May 6 for one of America’s Most Iconic Half Marathons. The Indy Mini is a blast, and we have no doubt you will have an unforgettable experience as you challenge yourself and accomplish something amazing.
Set Your Goals
Your goals don’t have to be based on the clock! Whatever your goals may be, set them early and work your best to stick to them. Thousands of runners and walkers from all over the country and globe will come together with different goals, but one goal will remain the same, to experience this Month of May tradition and have the half marathon experience of a lifetime!
Prepare for the Weather
If you’re not from Indy, you may not be familiar with how the weather can go from 75 and sunny, to rainy in a single day. Be sure to check the weather so you can dress accordingly. If the weather happens to be around 40-60 degrees or above, most runners will opt to wear shorts and a sleeveless shirt. However, if the temperature drops below 40, most runners will wear capris, shorts, and a long sleeve shirt with a light jacket. Everyone has different preferences, so be sure to play around with what works best for you. Remember, it’s always a good idea to pack an extra jacket, gloves, socks, or even an Indy Mini hat!
Plan your Pace When Training
Now that you are starting to train for the best half-marathon, it’s time to start finding your pace! Everyone’s pace is different, so start off with something that is comfortable for you and be sure to avoid using all your energy at the beginning, so you don’t burn yourself out. Running or walking with a buddy can also push you to set a good pace and maintain a consistent speed. Hey can help you be accountable and give encouragement throughout the entire race!
Plan Your Nutrition
The rule of thumb when preparing meals and snacks while training and on the day of the half-marathon is to get your protein in. This includes items such as meat, eggs, cheese, milk, nuts, etc. Whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice, etc., are also great options for energy! Everyone is different, so be sure to find what works best for you in terms of nutrition and the time you fuel up before a workout or race. When race day rolls around, be sure to stick with what has worked best for you during your training instead of making any drastic changes in your nutritional plans.
Hydration is Key
Water, water, water! For a half-marathon, it is important to stay hydrated throughout your training and leading up to your big day. At the Mini-Marathon, there will be Gatorade and water stations placed along the course for participants to fuel up along their journey. Hydrating will restore energy and keep you safe during your run or walk. Always listen to your body and don’t be afraid to take breaks!
The Most Important Part…. Smile & Have Fun!
You will experience one of America’s Most Iconic Half Marathons! You should be proud of preparing physically and mentally for this exciting morning. Don’t forget to enjoy each part of the race from the wave of the green flag at the start line, to racing across the finish line to the checkered flag! We can’t wait to see you in Indianapolis on May 6!
Why do you run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon?
My initial interest in the Mini-Marathon stemmed from when I was around 8 years old. My mother trained and ran the Mini-Marathon and I remember thinking how cool that was. At that time, the medals came in the mail, and I can remember waiting for her to medal and then wearing it around and keeping it in a special box with other trophies and memorabilia (I think I even wore it to school). Running the Mini has always been on my bucket list for this reason. When I found out about the Mini with A Meaning Program this past winter, I felt like it was a great opportunity to put together a team of people to push themselves physically but to do it for a reason bigger than themselves and support The Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation.
When was your first time running in the Mini-Marathon?
Yes, this will be my first time running the Mini Marathon! My mom and husband will be running with me (and we are hopeful to push our daughter Andi for at least part of it!).
What is your favorite part of the entire Mini-Marathon experience?
My favorite part so far has been all the excitement around the race and the whole experience. There is so much hype and support on social media that it gives me a glimpse of how the race will be which I think will be like one big celebration party!
Who has inspired and supported you in your journey to prepare for the Indy Mini?
My mom inspired me initially, but what has carried me through is my husband and our daughter, Andi. Training for a race is hard. It takes a lot of time. Since my husband and I are both training, it also takes a lot of logistics since we don’t run together (we’re both very competitive!!). At the end of the day, my husband and I are running this race for Andi to raise awareness for her syndrome. I know this is cliche, but she really has changed our lives and how we think and operate in this world. To be able-bodied and run (or even walk) 13.1 miles is really a gift that we should always appreciate and try our hardest not to take for granted.
The MWS Foundation helps raise money to support families with kids diagnosed with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome and coordinate research projects with universities. It’s actually the only foundation that supports Mowat-Wilson Syndrome.
When Andi was first diagnosed, we found the foundation and they sent us a “Welcome Kit” that included a teddy bear for Andi and some paperwork about MWS to give to doctors and caregivers. It was a small gesture, but made us feel like we had a place to belong- which is important for families affected by rare syndromes and conditions!
To learn more about the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation or to get involved with their organization, please head to IndyMini.com/MWM
You can join Elizabeth for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or take on the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K by registering today at IndyMini.com/Register!
Why do I Participate in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon?
I used to run the Mini back in the early 90s, with my first Mini having Disney involved. This was the old course that started downtown on the circle and finished at the iconic yard of bricks. When my kids started growing up, I sort of stopped running as much, so running the Mini sort of went to the wayside. In 2006, my then 10-year-old daughter, wanted to run the Mini with me. We trained a little and had some fun, but weren’t ready to run 13.1 miles. We ran the first 2 miles, then walked the rest of the way, just enjoying the event. I gave her a piggyback ride down Main street in Speedway and Dave Calabro announced her name as she crossed the yard of bricks. Someone gave her a Hot Wheel car that had been rolled across those bricks. At the finish line, my daughter did a cartwheel, which was photographed off my bib number. All in all, a very enjoyable event.
Then in December 2013, I suffered a stroke, which cost me the use of my entire left side. In January 2014, I started rehab at The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana and they showed me the way. I thought my life was over, until Occupational Therapist Kristin Brewer-Hull and Physical Therapist Amanda Peiffer-Keys, put me through my paces. They proved to me that I could regain the use of my left side, but it was all up to me. In less than 20 days, they had me walking, with some assistive devices, but I was walking. I was discharged from inpatient therapy on January 18, 2014.
While still doing outpatient therapy for several months, I was approached to be part of a group of thriving patients at the local college. The University of Indianapolis has a group called Community Patient Resource Group, CPRG. This is a group of thriving individuals with different disabilities that volunteer to work with the therapy students, as they learn to become therapists. Working with these students has given me a lot of help and hope to gain more function.
During my recovery, I was introduced to and have become heavily involved in rehabilitation research at RHI. They have a Locomotor Recovery Lab that is run by Dr. T George Hornby. I was involved in a Hight Intensity Gait research study that was everything I needed to kick my butt into high gear. I felt so much faster at the end of this month-long study, I felt like Flash. A therapist involved in this study had a Flash costume, and he let me wear it for the final day of the study. I was allowed to keep the Flash costume, as long as I wear it to inspire others, thus I started wearing superhero costumes at each event in which I participated. Since the start of my rehab, I have participated in several 5k and stair climb events. This research study gave me the direction I needed to return to participating in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. I decided to wear Captain America for my return to the Mini. Memorial Day is an American military holiday, perfect for this costume. I have at least 12 superhero costumes that I wear at any given event. These costumes are worn to give back to all the therapists, students, family, friends, and stroke survivors around the world. Yes, you can thrive in life after a stroke.
I owe my recovery to all the therapists, students, rehab facilities, colleges, and family, that have stood behind me and shoulder to shoulder with me.
The best part of the Mini, is the Mini. The party along the route, the comradery with participants, the thrill of being on the famed 500 track, and last but not least, all those that put in the hard work to make this event happen.
Why I Mini is an interesting story, and I ask you to stay with me. So, grab your popcorn and buckle up…. here we go…
2018 was the last time I ran the Indy Mini, and it was my 2nd time running it and I LOVE the race and everything it stands for. I live right outside Louisville, KY, and don’t mind driving 2 hours for the race…that’s how much I love the race.
Well, 2018’s race was a little different, I was in a lot of pain when I ran it, and like most runners, I just thought it was typical overuse injuries. It would turn out that my C3 through C5 vertebrae were compacted and pushed against my neck. Later that year, (Christmas Eve, to be precise) I would have spinal fusion surgery…so 2018’s Indy Mini still is the last of my 11 half marathons I have done.
After having the spinal surgery, I had to take all of 2019 off from fitness to recover. Then, as I was slowly making my way back in 2020, my life would be altered in ways that I am still in the wake of dealing with.
On January 28th, 2021, I tested positive for Covid. I became one of the few who would become a Covid Long Hauler. It is coming up on 2 years and I permanently have Asthma, Covid Brain Fog, and Covid Migraines (which are much worse than my previous normal migraines ever were). Every three months I have follow ups with my Neurologist, Cardiologist, and Pulmonologist. I don’t remember from January to May of 2021 because I had a 103.1 fever. During this time, I got up to over 280lbs and had taken home oxygen (on top of plenty of hospital visits) for 6 months because I couldn’t get my oxygen levels above 80.
I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on September 29th, 2021, and had a goal weight of 170lbs, and now weigh 160lbs with 3% body fat, and am proud of the hard work I have put in in coming back from all the aforementioned I have gone through since 2018.
While I am signed up and doing The Greatest Spectacle Challenge (The Miler Series, the 5K, and the Indy Mini), when I line up on May 6th, 2023, it will be a 5-year return journey, both as an Indy Mini Ambassador and an Indy Mini participant. It is my comeback half marathon. You may see me shed some tears of pure joy along those beautiful 13.1 miles and I will definitely be stopping to kiss those gorgeous bricks! Ever since I started racing 12 years ago, I always race in a Superman shirt with my children’s handprints in puffy pants with their ages on the back (I like to think they are pushing me when I get tired). I will be easy to spot, so please feel free to say, “Hi” and let’s get a picture together!
